Moving to Spain from India is an exciting journey that opens doors to European lifestyle, excellent healthcare, rich culture, and diverse opportunities. With its warm climate, affordable living costs compared to other Western European countries, and growing demand for skilled professionals, Spain has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian expats.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the migration process, from choosing the right visa to settling into Spanish society.
Overview: 10 Essential Steps to Move to Spain From India
Before diving into details, here’s your roadmap:
- Choose the right immigration pathway
- Meet eligibility criteria and gather documents
- Apply for the appropriate visa
- Prepare for your relocation
- Complete mandatory registrations upon arrival
- Secure employment or start working
- Find housing and manage finances
- Apply for permanent residency
- Integrate into local community
- Navigate common challenges
Step 1: Choose Your Immigration Pathway
The success of your Spanish migration journey largely depends on selecting the right visa category that aligns with your goals and circumstances.
Work Visa Options
Spain offers several employment-based visa categories:
Highly Skilled Professional Visa
- Requires a formal job offer from a Spanish employer
- Employer initiates the application process
- High demand in IT, healthcare, engineering, and tourism sectors
- Initial validity: 3 year (renewable)
EU Blue Card
- For highly qualified professionals
- Requires university degree or 5+ years professional experience
- Salary threshold: 1.5 times the average national salary
- Faster path to permanent residency
General Work Visa
- Standard employment authorization
- Job offer mandatory
- Processing time: 30-60 days
Study-to-Work Route
This pathway offers excellent long-term prospects:
Benefits:
- Affordable tuition: €1,500-€4,000 annually for public universities
- 70+ universities with English-taught programs
- 12-month job-seeker visa post-graduation
- Transition to work visa after securing employment
Popular fields: Business Administration, Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science
Non-Lucrative Visa
Perfect for retirees, remote workers, or individuals with passive income:
Requirements:
- Minimum monthly income: €2,400 (₹2.16 lakhs)
- Cannot work for Spanish companies
- Must have private health insurance
- Renewable pathway to permanent residency
Read More: Digital Nomad VISA in Spain
Investment and Entrepreneur Visas
Golden Visa (Investor Route):
- Minimum investment: €500,000 in real estate or government bonds
- Fast-track residence permit
- No minimum stay requirement
- Family inclusion possible
Startup Visa:
- For innovative business ideas
- Requires approval from ENISA (Spanish startup agency)
- Must demonstrate technical and financial feasibility
Family Reunification
If you have family members legally residing in Spain:
Eligible relatives:
- Spouse or registered partner
- Minor or dependent children
- Parents (if sponsor has permanent residence)
Conditions:
- Sponsor must have lived in Spain legally for 1+ years
- Proof of stable income and accommodation required
- Faster processing compared to other visa categories
Step 2: Document Preparation and Eligibility
Proper documentation is crucial for a successful visa application. Start this process early as it can take several months.
Financial Requirements
Income Proof by Visa Type:
- Work Visa: Employment contract with salary details
- Study Visa: Bank statements showing €700-€1,000/month (₹63,000-₹90,000)
- Non-Lucrative Visa: €2,400/month (₹2.16 lakhs) from passive sources
- Family Reunification: Sponsor’s stable income proof
Essential Documents Checklist
Personal Documents:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Legal Requirements:
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from Regional Passport Office
- Medical certificate from authorized doctor
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
- Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Apostille and Translation Process
Spain follows the Hague Convention, requiring apostille for Indian documents:
Apostille Process:
- Obtain documents from relevant Indian authorities
- Get apostille from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- Translate apostilled documents to Spanish by certified translator
- Submit within 3 months of issuance
Timeline: Allow 4-6 weeks for complete documentation
Step 3: Visa Application Process
Application Centers and Appointments
Visa applications are processed through BLS International centers in:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Bengaluru
- Kolkata
- Hyderabad
Important Steps:
- Book appointment online (no walk-ins accepted)
- Pay application fees
- Submit documents and attend interview
- Track application status online
Visa Fees Structure
- Work Visa: €80 (₹7,200)
- Study Visa: €60-€80 (₹5,400-₹7,200)
- Non-Lucrative Visa: €80+ (₹7,200+)
- Golden Visa: Higher fees based on investment amount
Processing Timeline
- Standard processing: 15 working days
- Complex cases: 30-60 days
- Peak season delays: Apply 2-3 months in advance
Step 4: Pre-Departure Preparation
Destination Selection
Major Cities and Their Advantages:
Madrid:
- Capital city with maximum job opportunities
- Hub for finance, technology, and government sectors
- Excellent transport connectivity
Barcelona:
- Tourism and creative industries
- International business center
- Coastal lifestyle
Valencia:
- Lower cost of living
- Growing tech sector
- Great climate and beaches
Seville/Malaga:
- Affordable living
- Rich cultural heritage
- Slower pace of life
Travel Essentials
Flight Booking:
- Book 2-3 months in advance
- Consider direct flights or short layovers
- Arrive a few days before work/study starts
Financial Preparation:
- Carry €300-€500 in cash
- Get forex card for easy transactions
- Inform your bank about international travel
Essential Items to Pack:
- All original documents in hand luggage
- Prescription medications with doctor’s note
- Indian spices and ready-to-eat food
- Seasonal clothing for Spanish weather
- Electronics with universal adapters
Step 5: Post-Arrival Formalities
Complete these registrations within your first month in Spain:
Empadronamiento (Municipal Registration)
Process:
- Visit local Ayuntamiento (town hall)
- Submit rental agreement or accommodation proof
- Provide passport and visa copies
- Receive padrón certificate
Importance: Required for healthcare, NIE application, and future residency applications
NIE (Foreigner Identity Number)
Your Spanish tax identification number, essential for:
- Opening bank accounts
- Signing rental agreements
- Employment contracts
- Purchasing property
Application Process:
- Visit local police station or immigration office
- Complete Form EX-15
- Pay processing fee at designated bank
- Submit documents and receive NIE certificate
Banking and Mobile Services
Opening Bank Account:
- Required documents: Passport, NIE, padrón certificate
- Major banks: BBVA, Santander, CaixaBank, Sabadell
- Some banks offer non-resident accounts
Mobile Connection:
- Providers: Vodafone, Orange, Movistar, Yoigo
- Prepaid or contract options available
- Required: Passport and address proof
Step 6: Employment and Career Development
High-Demand Sectors for Indians
Information Technology:
- Software development
- Data analysis
- Cybersecurity
- Digital marketing
Healthcare:
- Nursing (with Spanish certification)
- Medical professionals
- Healthcare administration
Education:
- English language teaching
- International schools
- University positions
Tourism and Hospitality:
- Multilingual tour guides
- Hotel management
- Customer service roles
Job Search Strategies
Online Platforms:
- InfoJobs: Spain’s largest job portal
- LinkedIn Spain: Professional networking
- Indeed España: International opportunities
- Glassdoor Spain: Salary insights and company reviews
Networking Tips:
- Join expat communities and professional groups
- Attend job fairs in major cities
- Connect with Indian professional associations
- Participate in language exchange programs
Spanish Language Learning
Importance:
- Significantly improves job prospects
- Essential for customer-facing roles
- Helps with daily life integration
- Required for citizenship applications
Learning Options:
- Free government-sponsored classes
- Private language schools
- Online platforms (Duolingo, Babbel)
- University language programs
Step 7: Housing and Financial Planning
Housing Options
Rental Market:
- Shared apartments (pisos compartidos): €300-€500/month
- Studio apartments: €500-€800/month
- 1-bedroom apartments: €600-€1,200/month
Popular Rental Websites:
- Idealista
- Fotocasa
- Badi
- SpotaHome
Rental Process:
- First month’s rent + deposit (1-2 months)
- Proof of income required
- Guarantor sometimes necessary
Monthly Living Costs
Average Monthly Expenses (Single Person):
- Rent: €400-€700 (₹36,000-₹63,000)
- Groceries: €150-€250 (₹13,500-₹22,500)
- Transportation: €30-€60 (₹2,700-₹5,400)
- Utilities: €80-€120 (₹7,200-₹10,800)
- Entertainment: €100-€150 (₹9,000-₹13,500)
Total: €760-€1,280 (₹68,400-₹1,15,200)
Most Affordable Cities
Budget-Friendly Options:
- Valencia – Coastal city with reasonable costs
- Seville – Cultural hub with low housing costs
- Zaragoza – Industrial center with job opportunities
- Granada – University town with student-friendly prices
- Malaga – Growing expat community
Step 8: Path to Permanent Residency
Temporary Residence Renewal
Requirements:
- Maintain legal status throughout stay period
- Spend minimum 183 days per year in Spain
- Meet financial and employment obligations
- Apply for renewal 30-60 days before expiry
Long-Term Residency (5-Year Path)
Eligibility:
- 5 years continuous legal residence
- Stable income or employment
- Basic Spanish language skills
- Clean criminal record
- Integration into Spanish society
Benefits:
- Indefinite stay authorization
- Access to public benefits
- Freedom to change jobs
- Path to citizenship
Spanish Citizenship (10-Year Path)
Requirements:
- 10 years legal residence (2 years for certain nationalities)
- Pass DELE A2 Spanish language test
- Pass CCSE constitutional and cultural knowledge test
- Good conduct certificate
- Proof of integration
Note for Indians: India doesn’t allow dual citizenship. You’ll need to surrender your Indian passport but can apply for OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status.
Step 9: Cultural Integration and Community Building
Understanding Spanish Culture
Key Cultural Aspects:
- Siesta culture: Businesses close 2-5 PM
- Late dining: Dinner typically after 9 PM
- Social greeting: Double cheek kiss is standard
- Punctuality: More relaxed approach to time
- Family values: Strong emphasis on family relationships
Indian Community in Spain
Major Indian Communities:
- Madrid: Largest Indian population, temples, cultural centers
- Barcelona: Growing tech professional community
- Valencia: Emerging Indian student and professional base
- Malaga/Costa del Sol: Retired Indian community
Community Organizations:
- Indian Cultural Association of Spain
- Bharatiya Sanskriti Sangh
- Regional associations (Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi communities)
Maintaining Cultural Connections
Religious Practices:
- Hindu temples in Madrid and Barcelona
- Gurdwaras for Sikh community
- Islamic centers for Muslim Indians
- Regular festival celebrations (Diwali, Holi, Eid)
Cultural Events:
- Indian Independence Day celebrations
- Bollywood movie screenings
- Classical music and dance performances
- Food festivals and cooking classes
Step 10: Overcoming Common Challenges
Bureaucratic Hurdles
Common Issues:
- Slow administrative processes
- Language barriers in government offices
- Complex documentation requirements
- Inconsistent information from different offices
Solutions:
- Hire a gestor (administrative assistant)
- Join expat support groups
- Learn basic Spanish administrative vocabulary
- Keep multiple copies of all documents
- Be patient and persistent
Professional Challenges
Credential Recognition:
- Some professions require Spanish qualification validation
- Medical and legal professionals need specific certifications
- Teaching requires Spanish education ministry approval
Solutions:
- Research requirements before arrival
- Contact relevant professional bodies
- Consider additional certification courses
- Network with professionals in your field
Social Integration
Common Challenges:
- Language barrier
- Different work culture
- Making local friendships
- Homesickness
Solutions:
- Join language exchange programs
- Participate in local activities and clubs
- Volunteer for community organizations
- Maintain connections with home while building new relationships
Conclusion
Moving to Spain from India is a rewarding journey that requires careful planning, patience, and adaptability. While the process involves numerous steps and potential challenges, the rewards of living in Spain—from its excellent healthcare system and work-life balance to its rich culture and beautiful landscapes—make the effort worthwhile.
Start your preparation early, choose the right immigration pathway for your circumstances, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance when needed. With proper planning and a positive attitude, your Spanish dream can become a reality.
Remember: Each step brings you closer to your new life in Spain. Stay organized, be patient with the process, and embrace the adventure ahead.
FAQ’s
The entire process typically takes 6-12 months, depending on your visa type and preparation speed:
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